4.18.2013

Trip to the Cincinnati Zoo

This was just going to be photos, but I decided to say more. I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about zoos. As much as I love being close to wildlife, it does break my heart as well. Before going vegan and becoming an "amateur animal activist" I never thought anything about all the animals caged up. Seeing a wild animal caged or stuck in a tiny exhibit is heart breaking. Going to the zoo has just always been a tradition for me.

Trip to Cincy Zoo
Trip to the Zoo

It is nice to see the zoo promoting recycling. I say this because I don't think of Ohio as a very "green" state.

CincyZoo Dan RecyclingTrip to the Zoo
Trip to the Zoo

One of my favorite things about the Cincinnati Zoo is the insect house. They have a room filled with butterflies and orchids.
I really enjoy photographing them. It's such a peaceful place...

CincyZoo Butterfly
CincyZoo Orchid and ButterflyCincyZoo Orchid
Trip to the Zoo
Trip to the Zoo
This guy was beautiful....
CincyZoo White Bird
CincyZoo Flowers and Penguin
My favorite part of the zoo was feeding the goats. If I could have a pet goat I would.
CincyZoo Feeding Goats
Best photo of the day was one that a lady took of us together. How nice of her!
CincyZoo Us
Cam, Dan, me and Cody (My besties!)

Our trip to the zoo was one of the only warm days while we were in Ohio. The weather didn't cooperate at all. This time last year there were tons of tulips and other flowers in full bloom. It was kind of a bummer to not get to see that this time. However I had a great time with my friends and Cody! This may be my last time visiting a zoo. Honestly when I went to the farm sanctuary in Colorado I had more fun. There is a very different feeling from a sanctuary verses caged animals. You feel the happiness and the love from the animals that are living free. :)

10 comments:

  1. I feel the same way as you. The zoo in Seoul, Korea had tons of tiny exhibits. I cried for the wolves. However, I really love zoos, and unfortunately whether or not I technically agree with them... I don't think I could stop going! Sadly. Also, because most of the animals had already been in/born in captivity and wouldn't survive the wild, and lots of zoos help with soon to be extinct creatures. There are many reasons why I love the zoo, and plenty of why I don't. But I totally would have lots of fun at a sanctuary rather than a zoo. Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in your area? I know there are a couple in Oregon and Washington, I've never been but totally want to!

    I've been to one here in Germany, it's a tiny one full of rescued Tigers, other large cats, and other zoo animals that I guess weren't making it where they were. Their cages are small, but, at least they're alive, you know? Not that it's a fantabulous life or anything... *sigh*

    Also, I think I am a no-reply blogger now. I've decided to get back to linking with G+, I missed G+. But you can email me adrienne[dot]rose[dot]blog{at}gmail[dot]com. <3 Have a beautiful day!

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    1. Yes, sounds like you are neutral like me. You can see good and bad. I just can't imagine what it does to the animals mentally or physically though being out of their natural born environment. Each zoo is different. Some have big displays and do a good job, others are too small and too close for the public to stress them out. I am so jealous that you are in Germany, just thought I'd throw that out there. hahaha

      There is a sanctuary in the Denver Colorado area. I plan to visit once the weather gets nice. You actually walk on a huge bridge over the animals. They have tons of animals and they roam free on the land. I know they have Tigers but I'm not sure what else. I will defiantly blog about it. :) Do you know where the one is in Oregon? Cody and I may go to Oregon for a vacation this summer.

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  2. I totally get your point of view. And I totally wish that every animal would live in freedom. But since reading Life of Pi, I have a totally different perspective as well actually. There's a little chapter where he explains why a zoo isn't that bad and it's actually very logical. As long as animals have lots of space, I don't mind that much anymore. But I do still think they should be even bigger. The zoos I've been to so far (Antwerp, Prague and Budapest) all had pretty big areas for each animal. Especially the one in Prague, that was almost like the real deal, so freaking much space, I couldn't even believe it. I was so happy when I saw that! You should definitely read that book sometime. It's not that you immediately think positive of a zoo but it helps 'see' it from the other side too I guess. And it makes it easier to visit one again because I don't think I never want to visit one anymore :) xo

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    1. I bet those zoos are beautiful. I'm not totally against zoo's, I know they do some good work as well. I just got a totally different experience from it since I visited that sanctuary. I can't say I will NEVER go to one again. It just wasn't the same for me this time around. I am pretty neutral on the zoo thing right now. I don't hate them or anything. I actually could see myself working at one someday to REALLY get a behind the scene look. :) The Columbus Ohio zoo had a mixture of "good" areas for animals and "bad". They had their Gorilla's in a building where people where up close right next to them with just glass separating between. Kids where sticking their tongues out at them, pounding the glass and all kinds of flash photography going on! It was horrible. Cincinnati however gives them a huge grassy area with a huge distance from the public. So, I think each zoo is different really. I may check that book out. I heard the movie was really good. Thanks for your insight.

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  3. I'm glad we all got to do this together! :)

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    1. Me too Dan. I'm glad the sun came out for us. :)

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  4. I'm so glad you agree with me about zoos. It's so hard to visit and not feel a little guilty. Looks like you had a great time though.

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    1. It's nice seeing the lovely animals but it's not under the right conditions. Even at Disney World's Animal Kingdom park I feel like they do a better job at giving the animals more space then most zoo's. I don't see myself ever giving up Disney's park! :) Zoo's just don't excite me as much anymore.

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  5. Zoos always made me a little sad as a kid. I wish there was another way we could experience and see them.

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